Cornell University, April 1, 2005

Cornell University
FY04 Annual Report for
Agricultural Research and
Extension Formula Funds

Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
NYS Agricultural Experiment Station
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
College of Human Ecology
College of Veterinary Medicine
April 1, 2005


Cornell University, April 1, 2004 Page i
FY2004 Annual Report
Cornell University
Table of Contents

BACKGROUND AND METHODS.......................................................................................1
GOAL 1 – AN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SYSTEM THAT IS HIGHLY
COMPETITIVE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY.....................................................................3
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 1.................................4
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 1...................................................................................... 5
Impact Examples Related to Goal 1.................................................................................. 7
GOAL 2 – A SAFE AND SECURE FOOD AND FIBER SYSTEM......................................13
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 2...............................14
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 2.................................................................................... 15
Impact Examples Related to Goal 2................................................................................ 17

........................................................................................................................................... 19
GOAL 3 – A HEALTHY, WELL-NOURISHED POPULATION............................................21
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 3...............................22
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 3.................................................................................... 22
Impact Examples Related to Goal 3................................................................................ 24
GOAL 4 – GREATER HARMONY BETWEEN AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
........................................................................................................................................... 29
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 4...............................30
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 4.................................................................................... 30
Impact Examples Related to Goal 4................................................................................ 32
GOAL 5 – ENHANCED ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR
AMERICANS..................................................................................................................... 37


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PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 5...............................39
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 5.................................................................................... 39
Impact Examples Related to Goal 5................................................................................ 42
PROGRAM REVIEW PROCESSES.................................................................................. 52
EXTENSION MERIT REVIEW........................................................................................... 54
MULTISTATE AND JOINT ACTIVITIES............................................................................. 54
MULTISTATE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES...........................................................................54
INTEGRATED RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES.............................................54
MULTI-COUNTY INITIATIVES........................................................................................... 55
APPENDIX A – FY03-04 APPLIED RESEARCH AND EXTENSION PRIORITIES
IDENTIFIED BY PROGRAM COUNCILS..........................................................................56
APPENDIX B – MULTISTATE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES REPORT..................................59
APPENDIX C – INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES REPORT......................................................68



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Background and Methods
Planning Option: Statewide activities -- integrated research and extension plan.
Period Covered: October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004
Program Definition and Scope
This report directly reflects our approved plan of work. As indicated in our approved plan, all
program descriptions were framed as ongoing major programs. We have not, therefore, separated
results into timeframe categories (short-term, near-term, long-term). Data and narrative
documentation were collected for the indicators included in our approved plan of work and
supplement.
Methodology and General Comments
A variety of data sources and documentation procedures were used to generate this report. For
extension, the primary sources were system-wide annual accountability reports and fiscal and
personnel accounting records. The annual reports include participation data, reports against our
approved performance indicators, and program impact statements. For research, The CRIS reporting
system, annual faculty activity reports, and fiscal and personnel accounting records were the primary
sources.
Our documentation approach reflects the approved plan directly. For example, as outlined in the
plan supplement, we used joint extension/research appointments as direct evidence of integrated
activity and rely on personnel accounting for documentation. In the case of multi-state extension
activity, we relied on project proposal ear-marking and direct reports by faculty on a project-byproject basis. With final approval of our plan and supplement, we included appropriate indicators in
our on-line project documentation and reporting structures to facilitate reporting. For example,
persons submitting preproposals for both Hatch and S-L funding now are expected to address the
integrated activity and multistate extension components of the proposed work.
For each of the five goals, we provide indicator, expenditure and effort data to reflect the scope and
reach of programming in that area. Also included are selected impact statements to convey the nature
of programming within each goal area. For each of the indicators, we report results for FY 2004
followed by the plan of work target result. Most extension indicators were met or exceeded, some of
them significantly. One indicator not met, 5.4.2, deals with parenting education and reflects
reduction of campus-based program leadership in this area. The four remaining indicators not met

(1.3.1, 3.5.1, 4.3.1, and 5.1.2) all deal with policy education the reduced numbers, in part, reflect a
shift from broad community awareness activities to focused work with decisionmakers. For an
example of this approach, see the “Transfer of Development Rights” impact statement on page 11.
While the effort influences thousands of county residents, we “claimed” only those local officials
with whom we worked directly.
We did not attempt to communicate in detail the work within or across goals. Rather, we selected
examples to provide a broad view of our efforts related to each goal. This approach is best illustrated
by our use of impact statement data. We received over 600 impact statements from research and


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extension faculty and off-campus educators via annual reporting. The scope of those reports
obviously is very broad. We selected only 35 impact statements from both research and extension
that we felt best illustrated primary themes of our work for 2004. While priority was placed on
examples that include documented outcomes and impacts, we have included a few that describe
promising new initiatives as evidence of the dynamic nature of our programming. It should be noted
that the impact statements included reflect both federal formula funds and associated matching
and/or supplemental funding. In most cases, Smith-Lever and Hatch funding is significantly
enhanced by other sources in carrying out any given project.
The process for receiving and considering input from stakeholders, described in Cornell University's
5-Year Plan of Work and in the Annual Reports of Accomplishments and Results, also pertains to
projects supported by McIntire-Stennis and Animal Health and Disease research funds. The
Stakeholder Involvement section outlines how our program development process is enhancing our
long tradition of effective stakeholder involvement. Our approaches for stakeholder involvement
continue to evolve based on feedback from participants. Note that at least 8 of the impact examples
included in this report include specific efforts to reach underserved populations (Improved Field
Corn Hybrids for Organic Producers, Food Safety Training for Vocational Education Culinary Arts
Program, Multistate Research Documents Rural Family Nutritional Issues, Eat Smart New York,
Research Finds That Environmental Risk Factors May Have Life-Long Effects On Children in LowIncome Families, Rural Youth Employment, and, Job Placement and Employment Project).



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GOAL 1 – AN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SYSTEM THAT IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE IN
THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

Agricultural production systems in the United States are part of the overall growing global economy
of food and fiber products. On a more localized level our production systems are the basis for
maintaining the rural economy and providing a safe and nutritious food supply to our diverse
population. Our agricultural systems in the northeast are broad and encompass small and large scale
plant and animal farming; regional and specialty market production and processing; and, local,
national and international marketing. This diversity has enabled our agricultural systems to remain
competitive in the global economy. The foundation for this has been our ability to develop and
integrate new technology into our agricultural production systems through the combined efforts of
fundamental and applied research programs linked with effective extension efforts. However, as the
global market changes, we must understand where our opportunities lie.
Although our efforts are extremely diverse, they can be subdivided into the areas of production,
protection, processing and marketing.
Production
Improving the yield and quality of plants and animals in agricultural production systems is
fundamental to improving our ability to compete in a global economy. These improvements can be
accomplished through:
1) traditional and modern breeding programs which select for desired traits (such as yield,
flavor and pest resistance) and an understanding of how they can be expressed under
different environmental regimes;
2) improving our understanding of the nutritional requirements for plants and animals so that
inputs and waste products are minimized;
3) improving our understanding of soils in order to maintain or improve the health of the soil;
4) improving our understanding of the impact of environmental conditions on plant and animal
production.
Protection

Plants and animals are stressed by various organisms including insects, pathogens and weeds.
Traditional control of these pests through the application of synthetic pesticides has allowed farmers
to manage some of these pests, but concerns about their effects on the environment and the
development of resistance must be taken into account. Improvements in protection of our
production systems can be accomplished through:
1) genetic engineering of plants to express pesticidal traits and the development of management
systems which ensure the durability of the deployment of these plants;
2) utilization and/or improvement of insects and microbes which may act as pesticides against
insects, pathogens and weeds;
3) improvements in the production systems for mass producing natural enemies;
4) an improved understanding of the non-target effects of pesticides.

Processing


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The value of agricultural raw products is multiplied through processing them into foods and fiber
which become distributed through wholesale and retail markets traded worldwide. The value of
grapes at harvest, for example, is minimal compared with the value of the wines they produce.
Improvement of our agricultural production systems on a global market can be achieved through
processing which:
1) recovers components from what would be engineering waste and converts them into
marketable items (particular enzymes, flavors, bulk materials, etc.);
2) enhances the food product by preserving or increasing the level of nutrients or flavors;
3) maximizes the freshness of the product through minimal processing;
4) minimizes the process of converting the raw product into foods.
Marketing
The competitiveness of our agricultural products is influenced by domestic and international factors
and an understanding of the production, distribution and marketing costs will influence what

agricultural production systems are most competitive for our region. Improvement of our agricultural
production systems on a global market can be achieved through: 1) an understanding of the costs for
our production systems compared with other domestic and regional production areas; 2) an
understanding of the specific desires of the consumers in various regions of the world economy; 3)
an understanding of the political, regulatory and social structures which influence the production and
distribution of agricultural products which are produced in other regions.
The agricultural production systems of the northeast are diverse. Over the decades some of our
systems have lost their relative strengths compared to other regions while other systems have grown
in their relative strengths. The majority of the population of the US is centered in the northeast
region and the opportunities for agricultural systems should be high. However, presently we import
ca. 80% of our food. In many cases this is the result of more favorable agricultural conditions (lower
labor costs, longer season, etc.) outside our region. Future research investments should be directed
toward those projects which provide us with the best opportunities to compete both nationally and
internationally. Dairy systems, floriculture and ornamental and fresh foods are examples of areas in
which northeastern agriculture can effectively compete. The growth of community food systems,
such as local and roadside markets, should be encouraged as well. For any of these areas, there will
continue to be a need to increase research investments in fundamental and applied sciences to
improve the production, protection, processing and marketing of our agricultural products so they
can be competitive on the regional, national and international markets.
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 1
Empower individuals and enterprises in agriculture and food systems to thrive in order to:
• maintain strong, rural communities;
• advance a clean healthy environment;
• promote attractive landscapes;
• assure a safe, nutritious, and abundant local food supply; and
• support a thriving New York State economy.


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Indicator Data Specific to Goal 1

(For each indicator, both actual and annual target results are included, the latter in parentheses.)
INDICATOR 1.1 The total number of refereed or peer reviewed articles or materials reporting
research on topics related to agricultural production and competitiveness.
Year
2004

# refereed items
1026 (675)

# patents, licenses,
varieties
40 (40)

OBJECTIVE 1.1 To produce new and value-added agricultural products and commodities.
INDICATOR 1.1.2 The total number of persons completing non-formal education programs on
production of new and value-added commodities and products and the number of these persons who
actually adopt one or more recommended practices or technologies within six months after
completing one or more of these programs.
Year
2004

Output: #
completing
programs
6532 (5000)

Outcome: #
adopting practice/
technology
3307 (2300)


OBJECTIVE 1.2 To annually increase agricultural producer awareness, understanding, and
information regarding the production of new and value-added commodities and products in U.S.
agriculture.
INDICATOR 1.2.1 The total number of persons completing non-formal education programs to
improve the productivity and global competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural production system and
the number of these persons actually adopt one or more new production techniques or strategies
within six months of completing one or more of these programs.
Year

Output: #
completing
programs

Outcome: #
adopting practice
or technology

2004

13,505 (10000)

7283 (4000)


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OBJECTIVE 1.3 To improve decision-making on public policies related to the productivity and
global competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural production system.
INDICATOR 1.3.1 The total number of persons annually completing non-formal education
programs on topics related to public policy issues affecting the productivity and global

competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural production system and the number of those persons make
use of such knowledge within six months of completing one or more of these programs.
Year
2004

Output: #
completing
programs
4251 (5500)

Outcome: #
utilizing
information
2097 (2400)

Resources Allocated to Goal 1 (FFF & Match)
Dollars x 1000 and (FTE) or (SY)
FY2004
FY2004
Target
Actual
Extension
3,378
3,076
Total
(60.9)
(59.3)
Research Total
5,200
5,305

(34.1)
(66.2)


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Impact Examples Related to Goal 1
Breeding Vegetables to Strengthen the Northeast’s Agricultural
Competitiveness and Environmental Sustainability
Vegetable varieties that have improved levels of disease resistance, insect resistance, and tolerance to
abiotic stresses are key to keeping farmers, particularly those in the Northeast, competitive in the
marketplace. Such resistant varieties can increase yields while reducing specific crop losses and
pesticide application-related costs. Private seed companies’ efforts frequently do not serve the needs
and interests of the Northeastern farmer.
A plant breeder at Cornell, supported with Hatch project funds, has focused her research program on
developing superior and resistant varieties of vegetables for cultivation in the Northeast, including
cucurbits (squash, various melons, and pumpkin), peppers, and tomatoes. As these varietal lines have
become available to growers directly through their commercial use (and indirectly as a consequence
of commercial breeding), reduced pesticide applications and improved yields for growers and quality
for consumers have been observed. In 2003, through the Public Seed Initiative, which this scientist
directs, additional breeding, using participatory approaches aimed especially at generating advanced
disease resistant materials for low input/organic production systems, was launched.
Twenty-five (25) commercial licenses are now in force, confirming that the products of these
breeding programs have broad value and impact. Licensees include all the largest seed companies
and a number of smaller, more regionally focused companies. Almost 3,000 material transfer
agreements are on file, which distribute improved germplasm globally. In summary, this project has
generated disease resistant breeding lines and varieties often with significantly improved flavor and
yield. The impact of these developments are to reduce environmental consequences of agricultural
production especially with regard to pesticide applications, to reduce costs of production, especially
important for smaller growers, and to improve food quality and safety for consumers.
Improved Field Corn Hybrids for Organic Producers

The demand for organic food in the United States has increased by approximately 200 percent over
the past 10 years, a trend that is expected to accelerate in the coming decade. Organic farmers in
New York State will be better able to capitalize on this trend thanks to efforts of plant breeders at
Cornell.
Organic corn and organic corn seed production represents an environmentally-sustainable approach
to field crops production in New York and a value-added economic option for the state’s crop
producers. While organic farmers in New York grow many acres of field corn, most of the seed for
their crop comes from out-of-state seed providers. In addition, very little of the seed corn in the
United States is currently being grown organically.
With the advent of new National Organic Program rules that require organic crops to be grown from
organic seed, farmers in New York State are currently limited to relatively very few non-New York
seed outlets. The seed source “bottleneck” represents a challenge, but also a potential opportunity for
organic seed corn production and sales by enterprises within state borders. Clearly organic seed corn


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can be grown in-state, and resident organic farmers appear ready and willing to undertake such
ventures. It also constitutes an opportunity to identify, invest in, and produce varieties that are
especially well-suited to New York’s environmental and production conditions.
Hatch support has been used by Cornell scientists for germplasm enhancement in maize, evaluation
of open-pollinated corn varieties, and other variety evaluations. Baseline efforts supported by federal
formula funds have attracted further USDA, private company and Rockefeller Foundation research
awards. The research has identified varieties that render improved yields and that are agronomically
superior for New York organic corn producers. It has also provided critical information on corn
varieties that could be the basis for production and sales of organic corn seed in the state, thus
developing the potential for new organic grower business and market opportunities.
Hybrids resulting from Cornell’s field corn breeding program will be produced and sold as organic
seed in New York in the next few years. As evidence of the recognized potential of this general line
of breeding studies at Cornell, in late 2004, CSREES awarded $894,450 to the Organic Seed
Partnership (OSP), centered at Cornell, to improve organic seed quality and farm profitability. The

grant will help build a large community of growers and breeders in the Northeast who can readily
share information gathered from organic seed-breeding field trials.
Improving Wine Quality and the Economic Viability of New York Wine Producers
The New York Farm Winery Law, enacted in 1976, allowed state grape growers to produce wine and
sell it directly to the consuming public. This law change provided grape farmers in several rural
regions of the state with an opportunity to produce and sell a high value-added product. Information
was needed, however, on what varieties of grapes to grow, how they might best be grown, how to
make wine from chosen grape varieties, and which wines can be made with the most consistent and
desirable qualities.
Researchers at Cornell, particularly at its New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in
Geneva, have worked to evaluate grape cultivars and growing practices best suited for the State’s
wine-growing regions. They have also developed new grape varieties that can not only grow well
and consistently, year-to-year, in these regions, but can also provide final wine flavor and taste
profiles and attributes desired by the consumer.
Since the winery law’s passage, Cornell’s Enology and Viticulture Programs have been successfully
and consistently providing critical information on grape-growing and wine-making to the State’s
wine industry. The State’s winery count has grown from just 9 in 1976 to 206 in 2004, showing a 10
to 15 percent annual growth rate over the last decade. Estimated retail value of all wine produced in
the State is now over $1 billion annually. As the wine industry has grown, grape production in the
state has shifted from production of lower value juice grapes to high value wine grapes (e.g., a ton of
Concord grapes most recently sold for $145-$450, while a ton of Reisling grapes sold for $1400 to
$1700). The New York wine industry now directly employs approximately 3700 workers, and the
wine-related associated tourism industry may be stimulating up to $7 billion in economic activity
each year.


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Grape growers and wine producers have benefited directly from Cornell’s research and extension
efforts. A February 2005 regional forum sponsored by a State Senator heard praise from this
legislator and also industry representatives about the critical role played by Cornell researchers and

extension educators in wine industry development and growth.
Developing New Nutrient Guidelines and Strategies
for Healthier and More Productive Dairy Stock
Much of the dairy industry worldwide has utilized the same approach to feeding neonatal calves and
heifers from birth to post-puberty for the last 30 years. In short, using a low-cost approach to raising
stock, dairies have focused on making the calf a ruminant quickly, which meant feeding the calf milk
replacer prematurely. Such practices do not meet animal maintenance requirements. This low-cost
approach has ignored the biology and nutrient requirements of a neonatal animal and ultimately
contributes to greater sickness and mortality. Moreover, beyond feed costs, heifer replacement (as
influenced by such factors as how they are reared, the actual physical condition in which they calve,
and time to lactation) constitutes the highest cost sector of production. Encouraging more lean
growth in the early life of dairy cows and the making of improvements to neonatal animal health can
prove advantageous to the dairy farmer and industry as a whole.
Research and discussions with the major U.S. manufacturers of calf milk replacer have resulted in
their nearly 100 percent affirmation of a new strategy for the nutritional management of dairy calves.
This has resulted in new replacer products and feeding regime instructions that that are significant
departures from the historical industry norm. The largest manufacturer of milk replacer (holding
about 75% of the market share) now has approximately 20 percent of its sales via a product that
follows the new Cornell recommendations. Industry-wide, it is estimated that 20 percent of all
calves in the U.S. are now fed according to these new guidelines.
Response from producers that have adopted this neonatal nutritional program has been
overwhelmingly positive. Documented benefits include: reduced death loss, reduced antibiotic
treatment; lower age at first calving; and in some cases increased first lactation milk yield. All of
these outcomes can translate into improved profitability for the dairy producer and industry.
Farm to School Support Project
Smaller farms in St. Lawrence County sell primarily through direct marketing - farmers markets,
roadside stands and a few community supported agriculture ventures. Sales through wholesale
outlets, such as retail stores or food service, require individual coordination, mainly through personal
contacts for delivery and purchasing. Selling through growers' cooperatives was not an option within
the county. Rather, some farmers sell to Finger Lakes Organic, outside of the North Country region.

During the 2002-2003 school year, Potsdam College began buying foods from St. Lawrence County
growers, including fresh produce (tomatoes, corn, and carrots) and value-added items (honey and
maple syrup). Ordering, distribution and payment were coordinated primarily by the food service
manager. Growers contacted the manager directly for sales. While the food service program was
eager to support local farms, the added workload of purchasing, accounting, and quality control for


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foods and food packaging were major challenges. The desire to purchase fresh local foods in-season
by food service establishments and the need for more accessible wholesale opportunities for growers
was the impetus for the Farm-to-School Support project.
Funding was sought through the Cornell Small Farms Program. This grant was used to involve a
diversity of farms/farmers in the county in a series of winter meetings on production for a wholesale
market. The meetings provided an overview of the Farm to School Program, an opportunity for
networking among farmers, and availability of local and statewide resources on small-scale
vegetable production.
As a result of these efforts, 31 farmers signed up as member growers for the 2004 Farm-to-School
Support Project and an organizing effort for a local marketing cooperative was launched.
Computer Confidence Training for Grape Growers
Established commercial grape growers have the basic knowledge required to manage a vineyard
operation but tend to be less computer literate than those just entering the business. Grape
processors in New York and Pennsylvania are moving toward the use of electronic information
transfer, via the Internet or e-mail, for communication with growers regarding record keeping and
scheduling of harvest. The Finger Lakes and Lake Erie regional grape extension programs of
Cornell Cooperative Extension currently have two weekly electronic newsletters available for
distribution to growers e-mail accounts. The NYS Integreated Pest Management Program, with
funding from the NYS Wine & Grape Foundation has an electronic spray record-keeping system
under development that all major grape processors have indicated they would like to implement in
one form or another. The number of web-based resources available to growers puts those growers
without the skills to use e-mail and the World Wide Web at a distinct disadvantage.

The purpose of the project was to provide grape growers with basic computer skills necessary to
comply with new standards being implemented by grape processors, and to assist the growers in
developing more advanced tools that will be required of them in an increasingly global industry
where access to information can be the key to remaining profitable. To reach these goals, instructors
from Jamestown Community College and Finger Lakes Community College conducted 200 hours of
classroom and hands-on computer training for 358 grape growers in the Lake Erie and Finger Lakes
regions. They taught classes in Windows Foundation, File Management, E-Mail and related topics
(calendars, to-do lists, etc.), World Wide Web/Internet Skills, spreadsheets, word processing, recordkeeping and bookkeeping. Classes were designed to allow participation by as many growers as
possible while providing the amount of individual attention needed for beginning computer users.
Class size was small, with 6 to 12 growers at a time. Participants enjoyed the fact that they were
taking classes with their peers. The information presented had a grape related theme when possible.
Course participants completed evaluations at the end of each course. One of the major goals of this
project was to provide basic computer training to grape growers. We hit this target audience as a
majority of the 358 course participants rated themselves as beginner (68%) or intermediate (28%)
computer users. Ninety-eight percent of participants felt the training met the course objectives while
86 percent either strongly agreed (37%) or agreed (49%) with the statement 'I feel more prepared to
meet the new computer standards being set by the processors. Only one percent of participants felt


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that they were not better prepared after taking the course. Many of the participants in the project
have expressed an interest in being able to take more advanced computer training. Nearly all (98%)
participants feel they are more prepared to meet the new computer standards being set by grape
processors in New York State.
Wide Swath Haylage
Forage is the foundation of dairy profitability. Increasing utilization of farm-produced forage
increases animal health, farm profitability, and decreases the excess importation of nutrients especially phosphorous. For haycrop silage, significant forage quality and quantity (2- 30% of dry
matter) is lost between cutting and fermentation by plant respiration. This decreases the most
digestible components of the forage. Forage utilization (quality) is also reduced by weather induced
delays as the number of good drying days back to back is significantly less than a single drying day.

If instead of mowing to a narrow windrow, the farmer puts it in a wide swath (like dry hay), drying
time is reduced from 2 -3 days down to less than one day. This allows harvest to continue with only
one day of good weather as opposed to the normal two or three and reduces respiration losses. As
this system flies in the face of 30+ years of tradition, in the field research was needed to demonstrate
to the farmers the practicality of the system. Extension secured the funding necessary for this
research and worked with cooperating farmers for in-the-field trials. This information was
communicated directly to the farmers and through multipliers such as dairy nutritionists.
Dairy nutritionists and consultants report that in spite of higher than normal rainfall, participating
farmers adopting the wide swath approach were able to secure their forage supply with higher
quality parameters. Replicated forage samples showed an increase of 300 lbs. more potential
milk/ton of dry matter harvested. Each test was able to secure the forage in one day while the
traditional narrow swath required two days for harvest. Nutritionists report that farmers who have
tried the system at their recommendation, found it gave the same results that our research produced –
haycrop silage was secured in storage in one day rather then the traditional 2 - 3 days, and, the
amount of potential milk able to be produced by each ton of dry matter was increased by 300 lbs.
Transfer of Development Rights
Significant pressure was applied to town governing boards by developers interested in building
single-family housing developments in the Town of Lysander (Onondaga County, Syracuse area) and
by local residents concerned about the future of the town. Local farmers became concerned about
the loss of farmland in the area. Other town residents expressed concern about excessive traffic and
road safety, loss of local farmland and loss of viewsheds in the area. Town officials, local residents,
farmers, and planning consultants were interested in an alternative means to meet the goals of all
involved.
A Municipal Reference for Agricultural Land Use in Onondaga County (with a section on transfer of
development rights) was published by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County. The
reference book was distributed as part of a presentation about agricultural land use issues made
before the town board with members of the planning and zoning boards and planning consultants
attending. At the recommendation of the Syracuse-Onondaga Co. Planning Agency, information



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about property rights and the transfer of development rights from sending areas (farmland) to
receiving areas (residential areas) was provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension to local farm
property owners, town officials, county planners, and planning consultants. Articles published in a
daily newspaper (circulation 121,000) raised awareness of the importance of farmland and land use
within local communities.
The Town of Lysander placed a building moratorium on future single-family residential construction
until they could re-evaluate their position on future development in the town. The town
comprehensive plan was re-examined to allow for the concept of transfer of development rights
(TDR) to be incorporated into their local land use plan. Zoning regulations are being assessed to
make sure they incorporate the concept of TDR. Town officials and planning consultants held
meetings and private conversations to explain TDR concepts to local farm property owners, potential
developers, and local town residents. Town officials then designated funding for a TDR concept plan
that prioritized 1,581 acres of farmland as sending areas and 1,885 acres of land as receiving areas.
The Town then created an innovative revolving fund concept to purchase and transfer development
rights from farmland to other land designated as residential to allow appropriate residential
development while protecting prime farmland and open space.


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GOAL 2 – A SAFE AND SECURE FOOD AND FIBER SYSTEM
To provide a safe and secure food supply our research program currently maintains three broad
initiatives: food safety research program, food quality and functionality program and value-added
enhancement program. The three programs combine to address the issues of a safe and secure food
system.
We improve the safety and nutritional quality of foods to promote wellness and reduce the risk of
disease. We identify and study important consumer and processor food safety issues in the areas of
microbiological safety, chemical safety and naturally occurring plant toxicants as well as health
promoting opportunities from food components.

Our food safety research program includes initiatives to study the agents, environments and controls
related to microbial contamination of fresh and processed foods. Expand research on foodborne
pathogens, both emerging and long- recognized species. Develop and utilize modern immunological
and molecular biological techniques to study the effect of innovative processes and products on
microbial growth and survival and to detect microbial contaminants at very low levels.
This program conducts studies to help processors develop HACCP programs. It includes developing
computer simulation/modeling systems to improve food quality and safety and models of microbial
growth inhibition. Our scientists investigate putative natural toxicants or antinutrients in genetically
modified plant and animal foods. We study the chemistry and toxicology of productionenhancement chemicals used in plant and animal production and manifesting themselves as residue
or chemical changes in foods. We investigate health-promoting phytochemicals. This program
establishes both required and toxic concentrations of consumption. We investigate risks/benefits
associated with increased consumption of plant-based foods. In this program we investigate factors
that influence bioavailability of nutrients in foods and diets. We study the effects of processing,
preservation and storage on nutritional value and quality of foods. We develop improved chemical
and instrumental methods for measurement of macro and micronutrients in foods that can be used
for analysis in support of nutrition labeling or for process control. We utilize this knowledge to
provide direct assistance to companies to insure the processing of safe foods.
Our program on value added processing systems improves technologies and systems that enhance
food value including nutritional value, safety and cost thus securing our food system for the future.
In this effort we evaluate new plant and animal foods and food components as well as production
management techniques that add nutritional value and economic benefit. We develop new methods
for quality assessment and help set goals for plant and animal breeding and selection. We explore
process technologies (e.g., fermentation, thermal processing, extraction, concentration, separation,
sensor development) and new modeling techniques that can improve the profitability of the food
industry. We study methods of minimal processing and packaging of foods. We also study the
economic potential of new products and processes. Our scientists develop engineering systems
based on microbiology, enzymology and mechanical techniques to minimize waste disposal
problems of the industry. This program develops processing methods for fractionating major and
minor components of foods. A major effort includes the development and/or evaluation of processes
and/or ingredients designed to improve the sensory quality of low fat foods. We seek to generate the



Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 14
knowledge base to provide leadership in value-added processing for the food manufacturing
industry.
Our program on food quality and functionality uses a multidisciplinary effort as we seek to improve
the understanding of mechanisms affecting food acceptability and probe the molecular basis of
functionality and quality with special emphasis in the areas of biochemistry of plant and animal
foods/post harvest physiology, sensory quality of foods, physical/chemical properties of foods and
ingredients and microbiology of foods. Quality foods are a key component to ensuring the security
of our food system.
In this program on food quality we develop methods to define and improve quality in fresh and
processed foods by studying the factors that influence composition, appearance, flavor and texture
with a focus on post harvest storage management and enhancement. We study the biochemistry and
genetics of plant and animal products that determine appearance, flavor, and texture. We study the
microbial population of foods, and their relationship to quality and shelf life. In order to understand
food quality we investigate physical and chemical properties of fresh, raw, and processed foods and
ingredients. The development of mathematical models of the relationships between product
properties, instrumental measurements and human perceptions are key efforts in this program.
Industry directly utilizes this research through outreach and advisory programs.
As effective as these initiatives are, numerous issues will combine to affect changes in their direction
over the next five years. The emergence of new pathogens is increasing and will demand greater
attention by our scientists. Clearly an interrelationship of both water and food safety issues in our
food supply will drive an integration of these research areas. Also the need for unique functional
ingredients for food manufacture and health will drive research programs in this area. The need for
advanced systems to ensure freshness, quality and safety in fresh and minimally processed foods will
require highly interdisciplinary teams of scientists.
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 2
Improves the health, nutrition, and safety of communities and individuals
• Prepare and keep foods safely

• Reduce food insecurity
• Increase citizen participation in local food related policy decisions
• Expand knowledge of health behaviors that effect women’s health status
• Increase fruit and vegetable consumption


Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 15

Indicator Data Specific to Goal 2
(For each indicator, both actual and annual target results are included, the latter in parentheses.)
INDICATOR 2.1 The total number of refereed or peer reviewed articles or materials reporting
research related to a safe and secure food and fiber system and the number of related patents,
licenses, or varieties issued.
Year
2004

# refereed items
149 (125)

# patents, licenses,
varieties
0 (5)

OBJECTIVE 2.1 To improve food accessibility, affordability, safety, and nutritional value.
INDICATOR 2.1.2 The total number of persons completing non-formal consumer education
programs on food accessibility and food affordability, and the total number of these persons who
actually adopt one or more recommended practices within six months after completing one or more
of these programs.

Year

2004

Output: # persons
completing
programs
38715 (20000)

Outcome: #
who actually
Adopt practices
27554 (14000)

OBJECTIVE 2.2 To increase the effectiveness of constituent and citizen participation on public
policy issues affecting food security (i.e., food access, affordability, and recovery).
INDICATOR 2.2.1 The total number of persons completing non-formal education programs on
public policy issues affecting food security (i.e., food access, affordability, and recovery) and the
total number of these persons who actually become actively involved on such issues within six
months after completing one or more of these programs.
Year
2004

Output: # persons
completing
programs
2996 (2000)

Outcome: #
who actually
become involved
1580 (600)



Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 16
OBJECTIVE 2.3 To annually increase consumer awareness, understanding, and information
regarding food safety and food borne risks and illnesses.
INDICATOR 2.3.1 The total number of persons completing non-formal, consumer education
programs on food safety and/or food borne risks and illnesses and the total number of these persons
who actually adopt one or more recommended food safety behaviors or practices within six months
after completing one or more of these programs.
Year
2004

Output: # persons
completing
programs
47417 (30000)

Outcome: #
who actually
adopt behaviors
31592 (17000)

Resources Allocated to Goal 2 (FFF and Match)
Dollars (x 1000) and FTE or SY
FY2004
FY2004
Target
Actual
Extension
2,360

2,120
Total
(31.5)
(30.9)
Research
790
630
Total
(5.2)
(7.6)


Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 17

Impact Examples Related to Goal 2
Stubborn Persistence of Deadly Food Pathogen Documented
Past Hatch research support was instrumental in development of a Cornell food science faculty
member’s internationally recognized research program on identifying food pathogens that are of
serious public health concern. One identified pathogen, Listeria monocytogenesin, can cause
listeriosis, a deadly disease that primarily affects pregnant women, newborn children, and adults
with weakened immune systems. Each year in the United States about 2,500 people are infected, of
which one-fifth die. In 2000, based on this researcher’s work that led to the rapid detection of
Listeria and prevention of a wider outbreak of the pathogen, the researcher was awarded the USDA
Award of Superior Service.
In more recent work on Listeria, the researcher has found that, despite the efforts of food retailers
and food-processing plant managers to maintain a clean, safe environment, strains of Listeria can
persist for up to a year or longer. The study was designed to help state health departments track the
origins of listeriosis. Knowledge of the contributions of food contamination with Listeria at retail, at
restaurants, and at home is extremely limited.
Using samples gathered by state agriculture agency inspectors in New York, the research determined

that many food retailers and processes have difficulty in eliminating Listeria contamination in their
places of business. It found the pathogen in ready-to-eat delicatessen foods like ham, beef bologna,
chicken, pastrami, roast beef and smoked fish, and also in hummus, imitation crab, cheeses and in
foods requiring cooking before consumption, such as hot dogs and raw foods including beef, ground
chuck, turkey, lobster tails and shrimp. The bacterium was found directly on food in 47 of 50 retail
food stores, including 20 food stores where the bacterium was found on several foods. When the 50
stores were re-inspected weeks, months or even a year later, about 34 percent had persistence of the
same strains of Listeria. Of the seven food-processing plants where Listeria was found, three had
persistent strains of the bacterium.
The study suggested that food retailers might have a harder time controlling for Listeria than do food
processors due to additional, uncontrollable vectors of contamination. Food processors can control
for people entering the plant, while retailers cannot always control the pathogens introduced by
customers and employees. The study underscored the hardiness of Listeria, suggesting that even the
best attempts to clean and rid a business of the pathogen can fail.
In his relatively young career at Cornell, the researcher has used competitively-awarded Hatch funds
to leverage funding from other external agency for his work on Listeria. Such subsequent sponsors
have included the NIH, private industry (e.g., Kraft Foods), and not-for-profit organizations (e.g., the
International Life Science Institute). Total Hatch grant support of less than $170K to date has
directly leveraged over $5M in total external sponsorship of this faculty member’s food safetyrelated research program--a return-on-investment ratio of 30 to 1. The recent work noted above was
supported by funds from USDA and NIH, and was published in the Journal of Food Protection (July
2004).


Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 18
New Test for Determination of Nut Contamination in Foods
Peanuts allergy is a serious health problem in the United States because of its low outgrowth and
life-threatening characteristics. A national survey has indicated that 1.2% of all Americans, or about
3 million people, are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, or both. Each year in the U.S., thousands of
people are sent to hospital emergency rooms after accidentally or inadvertently eating peanuts (or
their processed by-products or residues), and about 50 to 100 die. Moreover, the prevalence of

peanut allergy in America appears to have increased over the last 20 years.
Currently, no immunotherapy has been successfully developed to treat peanut allergy. The only
effective way to prevent adverse allergic reactions to peanuts is to maintain strict avoidance of
peanuts and the peanut allergen. Typically, accidental exposures to peanut allergens are due to the
contamination by peanuts in production lines, or the presence of undeclared (unlabeled) allergens in
food products. As such, the development of a portable, rapid, accurate, reliable and sensitive assay
test to detect hidden peanut allergens is needed.
A food science and technology researcher at Cornell developed an immunoassay for rapid detection
of the major peanut allergen in chocolate. It also has application for use with other types of
contaminated foods. A Canadian company, by agreement with a New York State firm that has
licensed the technology from the Cornell Research Foundation, is funding developmental work to
commercialize the immunoassay’s approach and application for allergenic substances in foods.
Food Safety Training for Vocational Education Culinary Arts Program
As the number of meals consumed outside the home increases, so too does the need for experienced,
well-trained employees to work in food service operations. Unfortunately, a high turnover rate
within the industry results in many foodservice operators hastily hiring young, inexperienced
applicants to fill low paying - but essential - positions within their operations. Often, these new
employees are provided with little to no formalized training prior to employment. Instead, the
employees tend to "learn-as-they-go" while on the job, often receiving cursory training under
intense, sometimes stressful work conditions. Under this scenario, employees are likely to learn and
adopt inappropriate short cuts in their food production practices that could compromise the quality
and safety of the food they serve. Nearly every case of food-borne illness can be traced to human
error at some point in the food flow. Although generally easily preventable with proper training,
food borne illness outbreaks too often occur because an untrained or unmotivated employee was
allowed to prepare food in an improper manner. Compromised food safety practices often lead to
food borne illness among customers, which in turn proves costly to the foodservice industry in terms
of loss of business, negative publicity, closed restaurants, costly lawsuits, and in some cases, death.
Ideally, comprehensive food safety training is administered prior to employment in the industry
because it ensures that employees enter the industry with a solid background in foodservice
sanitation and knowledge of practices that compromise the safety of the foods served within their

respective establishments.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County implemented and evaluated a comprehensive
foodservice sanitation-training program for students enrolled in a Culinary Arts Course conducted by
a regional Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in Syracuse, New York. BOCES


Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 19
serves vocational students including developmentally disabled students. Initially, the target audience
consisted of forty to fifty 11th and 12th grade students enrolled in the High School BOCES Culinary
Arts I program. However, during the planning phase of the project, the instructor for an adult
education culinary arts course at another regional BOCES Training site inquired about a food safetytraining component for her program at the Liverpool, N.Y. OCM BOCES Training Center. In
cooperation with the Culinary Arts Instructors and a Science Teacher at the High School BOCES, the
proposed food safety and sanitation training was integrated into both programs. Overall, thirty-two
high school and fifteen adult BOCES students participated in the Sanitation Training Program during
the fall semester. Six classes were conducted for the high school students and four 2.5-hour classes
were conducted for the adult students. The course book, videos and training format were created and
provided by the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association (EFNRA). The
course was conducted as a non-certification, introductory training for those with limited or no
foodservice experience.
The Food Safety Training component that was integrated into existing BOCES curricula
strengthened two highly-successful Culinary Arts Programs, while enhancing learning through
program delivery modalities suited to the developmental needs of the targeted audiences. As a
result, each student who pursues a career in food service will enter the field with practical
knowledge of safe food-preparation practices.
Specifically, each of the thirty-two high school and fifteen adult education students successfully
completed the training and were provided with certificates of participation. Five high-school
students who did not achieve a passing score on the post-test and were retested, with each
successfully passing the retest. The students completed the training program with demonstrated
competencies as indicated through knowledge and skill assessments conducted at the conclusion of
the training. The culinary arts instructors from both high school and adult BOCES education centers

have integrated comprehensive food safety/sanitation training into their culinary courses.
Food Stamp Nutrition Education Intervention/
Eat Smart New York Food Safety Reduces Health Risks
Reducing the spread of bacteria in the kitchen including proper hand washing techniques are
important food safety practices that help prevent food-borne illness. Food-borne illness affects 76
million people each year, causing them to become ill and, in extreme cases, die. People who are
most at risk for food borne illness are pregnant women, older persons, people with weakened
immune systems or certain chronic illnesses, and young children.
The Eat Smart New York (ESNY) program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County
provides a series of hands-on classes in food, nutrition and health to food stamp recipients. The adult
participants learned the importance of food safety and practiced the techniques and skills of keeping
food, working surfaces, utensils and their hands clean. Through partnerships with 22 community
organizations, 326 persons completed the lesson series. Dietary recall and behavior checklist survey
questions, completed by the participants at entry and exit of the program, indicated that 88% made
at least one improvement in safe food handling. Nearly all (97%) participants demonstrated
acceptable food safety practices (i.e. thawing and storing foods properly) upon exiting the program
as compared with only 32% upon entering the program.


Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 20

Safety of Eating Contaminated Sport Fish
Early in her career at Cornell, a faculty member in Natural Resources received modest Hatch grant
support ($31,000 over 2 years) to conduct a situational analysis on Lake Ontario fisheries
management issues. Identified in this research was the emerging and vexing issue of contaminants in
sport fish--fish that could and would be eaten by anglers, their families and friends. A second Hatch
grant ($18,000 over 5 years) was used to examine how general risk communication theory might be
applied to fishery management issues on the Great lakes and also across the nation.
Subsequent external funding in this area of inquiry has to date attracted over $650K in support from
the Great Lakes Protection Fund, the New York Sea Grant Institute, the New England Interstate

Water Pollution Control Commission, and most significantly the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Results from these research projects have assisted consumers in deciding how much sportcaught fish they should eat, taking into account the benefits and risks of eating such fish. Subpopulations of concern--pregnant women, women of child-bearing age, children, and those whose
consumption of self-harvested fish is economically or culturally dictated--have been particular
benefactors of this research.
A document developed as a result of this research under EPA sponsorship is used as primary
guidance for U.S. states and Native American nations regarding communicating advisories to the
public about fish contaminant risks. The faculty member is currently involved with an EPA-initiated
revision and updating of the document.


Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 21
GOAL 3 – A HEALTHY, WELL-NOURISHED POPULATION

Improving the health of our population through food/nutrient-based strategies will become
increasingly important in the next five years in achieving health goals designed to reduce
preventable mortality and morbidity in the United States. These strategies will be of special
significance to USDA because they will serve as important bridges between the country’s food
production and health sectors. These strategies will be particularly valuable to approaches that seek
to empower individual consumers in taking increased responsibility for their health, assure that our
food system is consistent with health goals, and refashion our health system, particularly approaches
most concerned with cost containment through prevention of chronic, debilitating diseases.
Research areas of current interest include (1) the study of glucose, lipids, vitamin E and
homocysteine in cardiovascular disease, obesity, and/or diabetes, (2) role of various nutrients in fetal
neural and cognitive development (e.g. genetic polymorphisms and folic acid metabolism), retinoic
acid and gene transcription, (3) nutrition and cancer (e.g. modes of action of selenium and vitamin
E, role of predominant plant based diets, and the physiochemical properties of dietary fiber), (4) the
role of nutrition in the regulation of inflammation (e.g. effects of dietary fat on the expression of
genes during the inflammatory response), (5) maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, (6)
postpartum weight retention, (7) fetal metabolic imprinting and its relationship to chronic disease,
(8) neurohormonal and psychological influences on eating behavior, (9) food security, (10) domestic

and international food and nutrition policy, (11) iron and other micronutrient deficiencies, (12)
nutritional impact of parasitic infections, (13) behavioral determinants of food choices, (14) dietary
assessments among ethnic minorities, and (15) social patterns of obesity and weight control.
The most recent dietary guidelines reemphasize the increased reliance on plant-based foods as a
means of controlling caloric consumption, reducing fat intake, modifying the composition of
ingested fats, enhancing the consumption of foods associated with reduced cancer risk, and
simultaneously insuring that macro- and micronutrient needs are met. For the first time the dietary
guidelines also provide information to consumers who restrict their consumption of animal foods
completely or rely on only selected few to meet their dietary needs. Future research activities must
explicitly recognize the health goals, policy aims, and consumer practices that support these
guidelines.
Thus, future research investments will be made in activities that (1) explore how complex genetic
interactions determine developmental and other physiological pathways (and thus specific
phenotypes) under diverse nutritional conditions (The impending description of the human genome
make this an especially exciting opportunity.), (2) capitalize on an improved understanding of the
determinants of human behavior to design effective interventions for behavior change related to
nutrition, (3) analyze outcomes of food policy options related to food security, health, and disease
prevention, and (4) enhance international collaborations that recognize the globalization of the US
food supply.


Cornell University, 1April 04, Page 22

PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 3
Improves the health, nutrition, and safety of communities and individuals.
• Increase citizen participation in local health and safety policy decisions
• Expand knowledge of health behaviors that effect women’s health status
• Increase fruit and vegetable consumption
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 3
(For each indicator, both actual and annual target results are included, the latter in parentheses.)

INDICATOR 3.1 The total number of refereed or peer reviewed articles or materials reporting
research on human nutrition and health or health promotion and the number of related patents,
licenses, or varieties issued.
Year
2004

# refereed items
187 (300)

# patents, licenses,
varieties
6 (2)

OBJECTIVE 3.1 To achieve a healthier, more well-nourished population.
INDICATOR 3.1.2 The total number of persons completing non-formal nutrition education
programs on better management of health risk factors (e.g., obesity, hypertension, etc.) and the total
number of these persons who actually adopt one or more recommended nutrition practices to reduce
health risks within six months of completing one or more of these programs.
Year
2004

Output: # persons
completing
programs
42098 (35000)

Outcome: #
who actually
Adopt practices
28637 (16500)


OBJECTIVE 3.2 To annually increase consumer awareness, understanding, and information on
dietary guidance and appropriate nutrition practices.
INDICATOR 3.2.1 The total number of persons completing non-formal nutrition education
programs that provide dietary guidance to consumers and the total number of these persons who
actually adopt one or more recommended Dietary Guidelines within six months after completing one
or more of these programs.
Year
2004

Output: # persons
completing
programs
65542 (38000)

Outcome: # who
actually adopt
recommendations
39764 (19000)